North Koreans line up long-range rocket units to ‘attack US targets’

NORTH KOREA’s artillery and rockets are on alert to target US bases, including some in mainland America, the rogue Communist state warned yesterday.

Soldiers of the Korean People's Army take part in the landing and anti-landing drills

It claimed that strategic rocket and long-range artillery units are “assigned to strike bases of the US imperialist aggressor” in Hawaii and the Pacific island of Guam as well the US mainland and South Korea.

Britain immediately condemned the move. “It is clearly a disturbing increase in rhetoric,” said a Foreign Office official.

The Government wants North Korea to tone down its negative rhetoric and take part in positive talks with the international community.

America joined the condemnation, saying it would be ready to respond.

A Pentagon spokesman said: “We’re concerned about any threat raised by the North Koreans. They need to stop threatening peace on the Korean peninsula. That doesn’t help anyone, and we stand ready to respond to any contingency.”

Pictures released in the North Korean capital Pyongyang yesterday show the Korean People’s Army apparently carrying out field exercises with long-range artillery units firing rockets.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un watches soldiers take part in training exercises

They need to stop threatening peace on the Korean peninsula

Pentagon spokesman

Leader Kim Jong-un is seen watching his soldiers as they take part in landing drills.

There is concern the training exercises will only increase tension. But South Korea’s defence ministry said it saw no sign of imminent military action by North Korea and most military analysts say Pyongyang will not risk a conflict with the US.

South Korea and the US military are conducting drills until the end of April, which they have stressed are strictly defensive in nature.

North Korea has accused Washington of war preparations by using B-52 bombers which have flown over the Korean peninsula as part of the drills.